BRAINTREE Town were knocked out of the FA Cup at the first-round stage after losing 5-4 on penalties to National League North side Brackley Town, writes DAVID WARD.

The Iron had more than enough chances to have won in both normal and extra-time but the underlying problem remains of not having a proven goalscorer to find the net when it matters.

It was a typical, entertaining cup-tie with chances at both ends and although the Iron had the upper hand, particularly in the second hand and in periods of extra-time. they just can't find someone to score goals which has been the main bugbear all season and has to be resolved quickly.

Braintree manager Angelo Harrop said: "Winning any games is always about fine margins and I'm disappointed we just couldn't get it over the line - I'm really gutted and so are the players.

"Penalties are always a lottery and I'm really devastated because all the players worked so hard throughout the game against what was a good home side and we created chances but didn't get the ball in their net.

"Our keeper Lucas (Covolan) pulled off some great saves when it mattered as did their keeper at the other end and the game could have gone either way but I felt we were the stronger team but just couldn't get that crucial breakthrough that was needed."

(Image: JON WEAVER)

Despite being urged on by a huge vocal support from Iron fans in the 1,120 crowd, they failed at the key moments.

Harrop continued: "I want to thank all the fans because they were magnificent throughout the game and we all appreciate their support and I know it's frustrating for them as it is with everyone at the club not to be in that second round."

The reality for Braintree too is the huge financial loss to the club this defeat means.

Instead of picking up the winners' £42,000 prize money and another huge amount for making it to round two, the Iron instead collect £17,000 for losing in the first round.

This will certainly have ramifications for Braintree as it struggles to keep up with far better financed and bigger ex-Football League clubs.

The gap between those clubs and newly-promoted sides like the Iron is now much wider than it was during the club's two previous excursions to the higher echelon of non-league football.

The crucial penalty miss that cost the club the game came from young Kyrell Lisbie who was understandably in tears at the end.

However Harrop said: "Players at top level miss penalties in these shootouts but he's not to blame and I know he's devastated by missing the spot-kick but he's a young lad and he will learn from the experience."

So it's back to the National League for the Iron, with Harrop totally committed to working as hard as ever to get the side away from the league's relegation zone.

He added: "I'm confident and determined to keep working hard for this football club so we can maintain our status and show what the side is truly capable of."

Braintree make their National League Cup debut on Tuesday evening when they entertain West Ham United's youngsters (kick-off 7.45pm) with their next league fixture at Eastleigh on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).